Netflix “Payment Declined” Text Scam

What It Looks Like

Netflix: Your payment was declined and your account will be suspended today. Update your billing details: [link removed]

The wording, amounts and company change, but the pattern stays the same.

How to Tell It's Fake

• Streaming services show payment problems in their own app, not in a text with a link.
• “Suspended today” is there to rush you.
• Open the Netflix app yourself to check.

How to Check for Real

Open the Netflix app or netflix.com yourself and look at Account. A real payment problem shows there. Never use the link or phone number in the message.

If You Already Tapped or Paid

1. Change that account's password in its own app or website, and anywhere you use the same password.
2. Turn on two-step verification for the account.
3. If it was your bank, call the number on the back of your card right away.

Acting in the first hour gives you the best chance of stopping charges.

Report It

• Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). It goes to your phone carrier, who uses it to block the sender.
• Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• Then delete it, and block the number.

Not Sure About a Text?

ShooFly checks any text, letter, link or caller in seconds, right on your phone, and tells you what to do next. It also sends scam texts like this one to Junk before you see them. Free.